NEW Fundraising Ideas Help You SOAR!

People get tired of doing the same old things. It’s time to get innovative with how you raise money. We have creativity in abundance at SOAR. We suggest you base your next fundraiser on the things your community likes to do. If you’d like advice on an idea, email iwantto@soarwithnetworkfundraising.com. We are happy to provide feedback!

SOARful ideas:

Run a contest on social media to engage your current donors while increasing your donor base. A photo or video contest will have participants sharing their work while bringing more traffic and attention to your cause. Make it a public vote to determine the winner and now you’ve increased traffic to your page. People pay a small fee to participate and then they pay to have their photo/video posted with you for a number of times. 5X is free, 10X – small fee, 20X – higher fee, and so on. Make a menu of opportunities you can offer for a fee and watch how fast it grows.
Develop a puzzle describing your mission. Then, sell the puzzle to people who love the work you do. Offer a competition so the puzzle buyers bring friends/family together at their home for putting the puzzle together. They take a photo when beginning the puzzle and at an allotted end time. At the end of the contest period, the group with the most pieces fitting in during the allotted time wins the prize. The benefit: your message is shared over and over again to the groups putting the puzzles together! You could also sell “clues” ahead of time. These clues will help the people put the puzzle together.
Sell an experience. People living in a mining district sell an SUV trail ride to visit an old mine. If there’s a racetrack near you and someone you know has a cool car – make it about being a passenger for a couple of laps around the track. This is also a great opportunity to partner with another business in your area actually in the business of providing “experiences.”
Parade coming up? A person could buy their spot on a float your organization is entering.
This is fun. Get some friends together and go on a mobile scavenger hunt. The first one back with all things on the list wins! Add a price to participation and prizes.
Have a digital scavenger hunt. Think of creative, funny pictures you could take with people in the community. Make a list and share with those who pay to participate. Add prizes and a closing event…fun, fun, fun.

People love puzzles and a competition makes a great fundraiser.

There are many ways outside of the traditional fundraiser to raise money. It could be a “new” activity that hangs on for a couple of years because you continue to expand on it. In fact, allowing an activity to grow naturally is the best way to create a sustainable program.

Good luck!

Email iwantto@soarwithnetworkfundraising.org OR, schedule a call to get your fundraising questions answered.

Creating Positive Experiences

A positive experience begins with the right intent – an opportunity to offer something meaningful to another person. Only 4% of people voice their complaints to you about something you’ve done. Are they voicing their dismay to others? You bet. Begin by recognizing how you feel. If there’s any feeling you have that maybe, just maybe, you offered bad service to someone or said something, which may have been taken the wrong way? The first step is to ask, “Is everything alright? Is there anything I can do to make things better?” If the person says, “Everything is fine.” You have to take their word for it and then, create positive experiences. It takes 12 positive experiences to delete one negative.

Positive experiences to think about:

Asking “Is everything alright? Is there anything I can do to make things better?”
Sending a personal note letting the person know you value your relationship with them
Add a benefit for them related to what they value. A person with a business would like to know you sent someone their way
Invite the person out for coffee or lunch to get to know them better
Ask this person to share their expertise by offering an opportunity to do so
Communicate openly
Show appreciation
Make interactions simple and easy
Understand expectations and then go above and beyond
Recognize efforts they make
Listen and acknowledge their ideas
Watch your body language during interactions to make sure you’re open and friendly
Always say something positive to this person
Add this person’s name into conversation with them
Draw attention to personal connections
Tell this person a “secret” so they know you better
Be as transparent as possible
Remain caring, professional and polite
Be yourself
End conversations in a polite way: have a good day, have a nice night, see you soon, talk to you later…
Be positive and create positive feelings
Invite this person to join a club, experience, event
Anticipate and be attentive
Find an emotional connection – a common bond
Empathize

Customer service has reached a new level, and in fact, has entered into the realm of being more personal. Our lives have become much more of an open book because of social media. Maintaining positive relationships are most-important for keeping your life in tune, on a positive note, so to speak.

Email iwantto@soarwithnetworkfundraising.org OR, schedule a call to get your questions answered about how to create positive experiences in your community.

Taking it Easy on Donors

Donors have a giving heart. They are asked more often than not to consider giving. Ask a donor, “What can I do for you?” and they will probably sidestep the conversation. It’s not something they’re comfortable discussing. It’s not supposed to be about them in their mind because it’s about others.

Understanding how a donor feels is important. You show a quality mindset when you take time to understand their intent and then provide opportunities for them to benefit. It is a nice way to “give back.” These six powerful words, “what can I do for you,” have the ability to transform a situation. It’s a way to shift the discussion and put the energy back on making someone else happy. In this case, it is your donor.

Consider this – more than half of all people who visit a nonprofit’s website do so from a mobile device according to Mobilecause.com. This is an old statistic so the numbers are much higher now. What does your website look like on a mobile platform? Check it out on your phone and make sure it is user-friendly. Is there a donor button? It’s not just about having a “donate now” button because a “donor” button is more about the emotional component of why they give. A donor button is about telling your story, and also about sharing with donors the benefit of why giving to your organization is important. The button explains what’s in it for them? This is that uncomfortable situation again. But, it’s true. What’s in it for them? They can feel good about giving to a cause and get a spiritual kudo just about anywhere. They can get a tax benefit for specific kinds of donations. Sure, this works. But, they can also GIVE to any organization to get the same rewards. Why would they give to yours?

Setting yourself up for success begins on the backend. It’s your opportunity to set the stage first. Begin by doing this:

Check your mobile platform for your website’s format and message. This is the the way most people are seeing you. Connect with your website designer as necessary to update for mobile changes
Be up to date on social media, other online sites, and with phone messaging systems. Call yourself and your answering system through the office. What message do you hear? Do you have recent posts on social media and on your website? It takes time and is often put on the bottom of the list. Dedicating a couple of hours each week to this process, or finding a volunteer to do it, makes the world of difference in the end
Make a list of the ways you’re giving back to donors and add to the list while remembering, each donor is different and it takes some time to discover the intricacies of what’s most important to them. This is about taking the time for discovery and then taking the time to establish a plan to let your donor know they are your most important asset.

The people you serve are most important to your mission. The people who help you serve are your greatest asset. An asset is the people volunteering, working for you, or those who provide a means for your service. A donor, a sponsor, or a foundation provide the means by giving money for your mission to continue. Taking it easy on donors is key to your success.

For additional information on coaching through the fundraising process – connect with SOAR with Network Fundraising. The programs are cost-effective and focused on your mission. There’s not a cookie-cutter approach to taking it easy on donors, providing the right message or opportunities to be involved, and engaging the public. Each situation is different. SOAR coaching offers the training and then the follow up. The Leader’s Program creates sustainability through a year-long program. Click Here!

Schedule a call or send an email to iwantto@soarwithnetworkfundraising.org

Developing a Fundraising Plan – Raising Money is Always About Your Next Move!

The fundraising plan is first and foremost, the most NECESSARY document needed to raise money. Get a team together to discuss short and long term goals. Then, take small steps to open the right doors.

Team

__________________________

How much money by when?

____________________6 months

____________________12 months

____________________24 months

____________________36 months

____________________48 months

____________________60 months

Methods for raising money

Past

____________________

Present

____________________

Future

____________________

Timeline for each method (each fundraiser has its own schedule)

Name of fundraiser: _____________________________________

11 months out: _________10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 month out…three weeks…two weeks…one week…three days…two days…one day…day of…day after…week following…two weeks following…three weeks following & start over again!

Participants (fundraising team, volunteers, invitations to activity)

Past: Future:

___________ ___________

Resources (location, activities, marketing, door prizes, etc)

Have: What’s needed

_____________ _____________

Tracking mechanism (spreadsheet or donor management software)
Maintain focus with your team

Monthly meetings, contact via email and calls, keep the goals visual, provide task-oriented participation to be checked off upon completion and follow the timeline to a T!

SOAR coaches organizations through the development of a fundraising plan during a 10-day process.

Schedule a call or send an email to iwantto@soarwithnetworkfundraising.org

Keeping Donors In This Ever-Changing World

“I’ve donated to the same organization for fifteen years and now I’m getting thank you notes addressed to the ‘donor’ of the house. ‘Dear donor’ just doesn’t work for me!”
Technology allows us to do the whole process of thanking donors quickly. You get the form letter ready, merge the database, print the mailing label and run the closed envelope through the stamp meter. This happens so easily and quickly, anyone can do it.

Schedule a call or send an email to iwantto@soarwithnetworkfundraising.org

Do you remember the days of five to seven days for a letter to be delivered? Now, we can deliver a message instantaneously. Email and text messages provide a new opportunity. A mobile system, which takes being remote and mobile to a new level.

A quick thank you message followed by something more lengthy is recommended. On donation forms collect:

Emails
Mobile phone numbers (include a box for the donor to check designating text messages as okay)

Develop a system for replying to donations. A quick email/text message looks like this: “Thank you for your donation to (organization). We appreciate your commitment to our program, which helps people (describe service). An official receipt will be sent to you over the next couple of weeks. Processing takes a bit more time on our end. Let me know if you have questions.”

The official receipt is sent to a donor along with a thank you letter, which nonprofits usually have as a template for anyone to use within the organization. It is important to write a personal note on the form letter but when this is not possible write a note card with your message and send it separately.

“I get a thank you letter for my donation and then the organization ignores me until they want my money again!”
Face it, nonprofits are usually so busy because they lack resources. Ignoring a donor is not something they do on purpose. It just happens when a hospitality program is not in place.

Hospitality, in some cultures, comes first and it truly is a benefit when a nonprofit adopts this culture. A volunteer initiative to provide hospitality to donors is not only fun for the volunteers but creates an atmosphere of family for the donor. People love their family! They are more understanding of their actions and stand beside them when the chips fall in a different direction.

A meaningful ‘thank you’ and developing a family culture are our two main recommendations for keeping donors in this ever-changing world.

Nonprofits Giving Back

Giving is something people do for nonprofits. Giving back is how the nonprofit returns the favor, so to speak. We feature in articles how people give back to others. It opens the door to a giving mentality, which is good in any walk of life. Interested in sharing how you give back? Send an email to iwantto@soarwithnetworkfundraising.org/ This opportunity is open to anyone! OR, Schedule a call

Operation Care International

Operation Care International is a homeless and impoverished ministry providing personal items, blue jeans, winter gear, bottled water and bibles in the streets of Dallas. Susie Jennings is the Founder and President of the mission. It all started with her mission to give blankets to the homeless under a bridge in 1993.

Susie, how does your organization give back to donors and sponsors?

We thank them with personal phone calls
We give them a photo album, which includes them serving at our event
We send a video and report of the event
We send testimonial videos
We put their names in event programs
We make them honorary chairs
We take them to lunch
We send cards on holidays and birthdays
We visit them
We ask them to be part of the program

Susie, what simple thing can a person do to create a feeling of community?

Bring personal care products in your car
Buy some gift cards from fast food restaurants and keep them handy
Have a directory of places where the homeless can go in your area
Connect the homeless to community services, which can help them

Susie, what does Operation Care International do?

Our signature event happens on the 3rd Saturday of December when we hold a birthday party for Jesus honoring our homeless and impoverished children and families in Dallas, Texas.

The heart of the ministry is sharing the love of God to the people.

On the day of the event we provide our trademark activity of foot washing; emulating the character of Christ and also:

Evangelism and prayer
Bibles
Socks and shoes
Medical, dental and vision services
Personal care items (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
Clothing, coats, sleeping bags, blankets
Hot meals
Haircuts and makeovers
Praise and worship teams/Entertainers
Free phone calls
Homeless service providers (lawyers, jobs, housing for kids)
Toys
Back packs
Books
Food

Susie Jennings is the author of 31 Days of Mountaintop Miracles. She began Operation Care while also being a full time RN. Her story is amazing. Truly a life of miracles. Contact Operation Care at 972-681-3567 or info@OpCare.org

Over the TOP Fundraising Team

V-formation is Everyone who…

Shares the cause and tells the story of how they are connected to your mission
Engages donors and sponsors (increases donations and lower costs)
Answers the following question with yes – “will this decision help us raise more money for our cause?” If the answer is no, spending time on that item is avoided

Sample Roles for your team

1. Event Coordinator

2. Marketing Collaborator

3. Hospitality Chief

Building a strong V-formation depends on communication. There are lots of ways we communicate. People do have preferences. Figure them out!

Learn more about SOAR’s Annual Coaching Program by clicking here.

Wondering about the “800?” Schedule a call or send an email to iwantto@soarwithnetworkfundraising.org

The Business to do it First in a Community WINS!

Step one: One person decides they want to spearhead the cause marketing program in their community and they are backed by their company to explore the ROI. It’s a perfect opportunity for a community relations person in a marketing department. It’s the way to develop a lasting, sustainable way to improve business, and it comes out of the goodness of your heart! It’s people to people marketing, relationship development, at its best.

SOAR opens doors for a new business owner to expand their market.

Look at this great list of perks you get when you choose to develop a nonprofit cooperative:

You are the only one being trained by SOAR in your county to implement the cooperative (as long as you remain in the program)
SOAR backs the program with 100% positive results for growing market share
You’re introduced to a philanthropic tool to market a business (cause marketing)
You learn a proven method to grow your market and achieve success
There are opportunities to create social impact
You’re guided to establish your role as the “Community Connector”
You become spotlighted as a prominent organization in the community because you’re giving in a sustainable way to a vulnerable segment of society
A reflection of change is prepared, through monthly progress reports, for the leaders of your company

Schedule a call or send an email to iwantto@soarwithnetworkfundraising.org

We help you:

Establish communications within your community for the cooperative
Put together an effective growth plan

WHY A NONPROFIT COOPERATIVE?

Small communities (county population under 30,000) have put together nonprofit cooperatives to enhance individual success through group success. It’s the philosophy of giving back in order to move forward. Gayle Gross, founder and CEO of SOAR with Network Fundraising, lives by this philosophy. She gives nonprofits in small communities an opportunity to create their own success by developing a cooperative program. This program is usually spearheaded by a business hoping to create social impact by becoming the “community connector.”

BENEFITS OF A NONPROFIT COOPERATIVE

The Nonprofit Cooperative relieves donor fatigue. People get tired of being asked over and over again for money. Imagine – you are the business, which relieves this stress for other people in town. They will admire your effort. You become a hero in their eyes. Your business becomes the one people frequent and refer people to.

Donor fatigue happens a lot in small communities. It’s where the ratio of nonprofits to potential donors is lopsided. It is quickly apparent, the Nonprofit Cooperative lessens burnout for fundraising professionals. There’s an immediate support system among peers, nonprofit events cease to overlap, and people in the community begin to see the benefit of their unity. Organizations gain credibility. Marketing is often done together and this helps to reduce costs for the nonprofits who do not have expendable income.

WHO BENEFITS MOST IN A COMMUNITY?

Everyone!

For-profit businesses have the opportunity to spearhead the program and they get in touch with nonprofits in the community. All nonprofits have their network of followers. The for-profit also becomes the “community connector” in their area, which is a powerful marketing tool
Nonprofits learn how to collaborate effectively to increase their bottom line. There’s greater awareness and opportunities
The community is relieved of donor fatigue

WHY LISTEN TO SOAR’S FOUNDER AND GET INVOLVED?

Why listen to Gayle? It’s in your best interest if you want to grow market share and make money. There’s proven success 100% of the time. It pays to know where your money is going and if it will have the most impact. Follow her plan and it is guaranteed to grow beyond your expectations.

Schedule a call or send an email to iwantto@soarwithnetworkfundraising.org

Nonprofits Collaborate in Teller County, Colorado To Create Impact

The Nonprofit Cooperative in Teller County, Colorado is a project of SOAR with Network Fundraising. Organizations represented at the meeting on January 8 were:

Mountain Top Cycling Club
Teller County Farmer’s Market Association
Woodland Park Farmer’s Market
Woodland Park Main Street
Colorado Phoenix Project
Junior Achievement of Teller County
Pikes Peak Rotary Club
Lighter Side of Christmas Parade
Woodland Park Wind Symphony
Teller Safe Harbor
Habitat for Humanity
Friends of Mueller State Park
UC Health
Friends of the Florissant Fossil Beds
Pikes Peak Historical Society
DayBreak – An Adult Day Program
Pikes Peak Lions Club
Our Lady of the Woods Catholic Church

Helping nonprofits develop into a collaborative effort is what SOAR is doing in Teller County. Organizations work together and create impact for their community through economic vitality. As a result of the meeting on January 8th, TCRAS changed the date of a fundraiser they have because it overlapped with something Habitat was doing on the same day.

Participants of the cooperative effort receive training on how to be impactful. It’s not a membership organization, it’s people who choose to work together for the better good of the organizations they represent.

Cooperative means everyone gets a vote, decisions are made as a group, and there’s greater potential for success while everyone works in tandem. Do you want to learn more about bringing this project to your small community? It increases exposure, opportunities, and market share (fundraising). Set up time to learn more about the program and how to be a participant. Email: iwantto@soarwithnetworkfundraising.com

Moving forward, an organization in the cooperative of Teller County has 23 opportunities to market their program. This includes attending trainings, collaborative networking events, participating in together-marketing campaigns, and attending happy hours.

The goal is to make SOAR’s project available in communities with less than 30,000 people. Be part of the movement and connect today.

Schedule a call or send an email to iwantto@soarwithnetworkfundraising.org

Event Planning, Marketing and Fundraising Through Events

Event Planning

Start with the idea and a simple plan. This is what you present to the people who will help you implement the idea.

Idea and simple plan (what, when, how, cost). Make sure to check the community calendar to make sure there’s no overlap with another event
Present to the people who will help to implement (include time commitment, role, and what’s in it for them). This is usually your board and/or volunteer team

Prepare to “give back” in a way that’s meaningful to the individuals helping you. It is important to know what this is before you ever ask anyone to do something for you.

Events are most-successful when the person leading the charge is not bogged down in the details. The “leader” becomes the person managing relationships and conducting follow up amongst the team.

Marketing An Event

Reserve marquees & sign space
Add to Community Calendars
Create social media posts and ask people to help by sharing (peer to peer)
Determine where you want to distribute advertisements (poster, banners, fliers) to determine quantity
Design and print marketing materials at least one month in advance and distribute (Have a catchy title and KNOW why people want to attend – make sure they understand WHY!! Make it personal)
Personal invitations to key stakeholders at least three weeks out (call is best) explaining the benefit to them for coming to your event. This could be a marketing initiative for them. They may get recognized. Your team can come up with a “script” and sit down to make calls together. This makes it fun
Keep a running list of people coming and provide a follow up message or call a few days before the event

Fundraising Through Events

Get to know the people attending your event
Have a volunteer with you, assisting with keeping track of the people you (leader) speak with. Write down suggested follow up, which is meaningful to an individual
Collect contact information from people who attend, a drawing can help if there’s no registration process
Develop a cultivation plan for deepening relationships with the people you meet (Thank you mailed, follow up email with something of interest for them, invitation to join organization’s Facebook page. These are all a good start!)
At your event, have information about the NEXT event/activity people can attend. It’s important to always have something coming up to invite people to. This can be a collaboration with another organization if you want. Think about who you’d like to partner with

Follow up is ongoing once a person becomes a donor.

Schedule a call or send an email to iwantto@soarwithnetworkfundraising.org